"We are putting a message out that there is a space for companies and individuals to sell and buy items, and I can assure you that this is an absolutely safe online platform to transact," Kalahari.net GM Gary Novitzkas told a press briefing yesterday, 21 July 2010, in Randburg, Johannesburg.
"We give our users more choices and provide them with an instant access on our platform and a geographic base of customers," he added.
"Even though we don't feature that much in the press, we are a well-known and a trusted brand, and the reviews and feedback we are getting from our users has been fantastic."
The process is simple. Sellers log on Kalahari.net/marketplace and create a profile with username and password, then register their banking details, which will be verified afterwards.
Following this, they upload their products by entering the name of the book, DVD, CD or game or by entering the ISBN number on the product.
The system searches for the product, and once found the seller nominates a selling price and delivery method (courier or postal service). Once uploaded, the item is automatically live on the Kalahari.net website.
When a buyer purchases an item, the payment is held in a Kalahari.net escrow account until the buyer confirms receipt of the goods. Once this is done, the money is paid directly into the sellers' bank account.
"It is a hassle-free way to do it, and there are no flaws. We want to ensure that we control the entire process. If you are not happy about the product you bought, you will get your money back," Novitzkas said, adding that the seller chooses the shipping option and shipping fee is paid by the buyer.
"We are finding a bit of everything and we fulfil a market where someone is looking for something, and this is the place to get it. And, we have seen a rush of people wanting to list their items," Novitzkas said.
Products listed on Kalahari.net's new trading platform by category include music (56%), books (29%), DVDs (12%), games (3%). Products ordered include by category books (54%), games (25%), DVDs (14%) and music (7%).
And what about the commission? "Currently, the website charges no commission fee, but we will implement a fee only in September, and believe me, it will be a lower fee than expected," said Novitzkas.
For more information, log on to www.kalahari.net/marketplace.
